1997 Ford F150 Regular Cab Logo
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david hines Posted on Dec 07, 2013
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Wont shift into 4wd automatically or manually

When i turn the knob to switch to 4x4 the light on dash doesnt indicate 4x4 nor will it engage. When i get under the truck and do it manually it makes a grinding sound until it reaches 4l or 4h. is the motor bad?

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Jordan Waldrop

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  • Expert 147 Answers
  • Posted on Dec 07, 2013
Jordan Waldrop
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Joined: Aug 15, 2009
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I would say the shift actuator my have gone bad. You should check all your fuses for the four wheel drive system with a test light or voltmeter. If their all good see if you can get your hands on a scan tool to check for a code. A four wheel drive problem may not illuminate the check engine light but the computer may still store a code.

5 Related Answers

jatncbeach

  • 225 Answers
  • Posted on Aug 06, 2009

SOURCE: 98 expedition xlt wont engage in 4h or 4l. the

one the transfer case there is a motor on the back side of the transfer case. most of the time that goes bad. if you don't have a trouble shooting guide with a wiring diagram, best to have a mech have a look at it. most of the time they rust and stick if not used a few times a year. best of luck.

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Anonymous

  • 3 Answers
  • Posted on Nov 25, 2008

SOURCE: 4W will not turn on ford ranger 1999 4x4

that clicking sound you no longer hear is a relay switch behind dashboard ....aftermarket one's sold at all chain auto parts stores

Anonymous

  • 2 Answers
  • Posted on Feb 05, 2009

SOURCE: elec 4 wheel drive light comes on but 4x4 not engaging

change the 2 solenoids on the firewall on the passenger side. they contol the vacum to the acuator.

Anonymous

  • 984 Answers
  • Posted on Dec 12, 2009

SOURCE: my 2001 f150 super crew won't shift from 2wd to 4h

Best to check by jacking the truck up ( taking safety precautions, parking brake, chock the wheels, jack stands, etc ), turn the key to the run position and place into 4WD.
If the front drive shaft turns, the problem is in the transfer case.
If the front drive shaft does not turn, the problem is in the front axle.

I would suspect the front shaft does not turn, and the most common cause of this is the vacuum motor on the front axle, the vacuum lines to it, or the vacuum solenoids.
The vacuum shift motor is what locks the front wheels in, and without this action, the PM does not get the confirm that the truck is good to go, and illuminate the cluster indicators ( 4x4, and if 4L the Low Range lamps ).
There are 2 vacuum solenoids, one is 4WD one is 2WD ( to move the motor one way or the other ).
Start with checking for vac on the vacuum motor ( actually it is a diaphragm ). The pink line should have vacuum when in 4WD, the blue line should have vacuum when in 2WD. If not, time to work back towards the solenoids. Use a short length of hose on the vacuum solenoids, and retest.
If still missing vacuum on the 4WD solenoid, I would suspect it is bad, but best to test on the other side of it, to make sure the vacuum reservoir ( mounted behind the battery box ) is supplying vacuum to the solenoids.

This is just the most common cause, best to confirm with the 1st test above, to know if you should look to the trans case, or axle.

This is what the vacuum shift motor looks like on the front axle
bc26677.jpg

These are the vacuum shift solenoids
f041b5c.jpg

Testimonial: "Thank you for your help.I was working on it this morning and found alot of moister in the vacuum shift motor. "

Anonymous

  • 1 Answer
  • Posted on Jun 15, 2012

SOURCE: 97 expedition - 4x4 does not engage

the first thing i would check on any 4x4 AWD is to see if the vacume lines
were conected to the transfor case and getting vacume when engaded i have found this to be the
most commen answer

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Related Questions:

1helpful
1answer

4WD does not operate, no lite, no anything
Check out the knob. The backside may be cracked and the knob may be slipping around the shaft instead of turning it.

Some models had a problem with the indicator light for the 4x4. If the light burns out, the electric values to the transfer case shift solenoid will change. The single solenoid moves different lengths based on selector position and voltage.

Check the Voltage at the transfer case with power on and someone turning the shift knob.

You can get wiring diagrams through a Google search. Use terms like "2006 F150 wiring diagrams" or similar. Some are really good but be careful with "snapshot" groups as they are not strongly indexed and results contain mixed Brands and years.
Read full answer
Feb 24, 2014 • 2006 Ford F-150
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4x4 low light on car will not move
The electronic module (located behind the glove compartment) controls the operation of the transfer case in response to inputs from the electric shift motor, 4x4 mode switch, CPP switch, BPP switch, DTR sensor, throttle position output from the PCM, front and rear OSS sensors, and the VSS. Do you know what DTC'S Are ? Diagnostic trouble codes !

P1804 4WD High Indicator Circuit Failure GEM GO to Pinpoint Test C . P1806 4WD High Indicator Short to Battery GEM GO to Pinpoint Test C . P1808 4WD Low Indicator Circuit Failure GEM GO to Pinpoint Test C . P1810 4WD Low Indicator Short Circuit to Battery GEM GO to Pinpoint Test C . P1812 4WD Mode Select Circuit Failure GEM GO to Symptom Chart. P1815 4WD Mode Select Short Circuit to Ground GEM GO to Symptom Chart. P1820 Transfer Case CW Shift Relay Coil Circuit Open or Short to Ground GEM GO to Pinpoint Test B . P1822 Transfer Case CW Shift Relay Coil Short to Battery GEM GO to Pinpoint Test B . P1824 4WD Electric Clutch Relay Circuit Failure GEM GO to Pinpoint Test A . P1826 4WD Electric Clutch Relay Short to Battery GEM GO to Pinpoint Test A . P1828 Transfer Case CCW Shift Relay Circuit Failure GEM GO to Pinpoint Test B . P1830 Transfer Case CCW Shift Relay Coil Short to Battery GEM GO to Pinpoint Test B . P1836 Transfer Case Front Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit Failure GEM GO to Symptom Chart. P1837 Transfer Case Rear Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit Failure GEM GO to Symptom Chart. P1838 Transfer Case Shift Motor Circuit Failure GEM GO to Pinpoint Test B . P1846 Transfer Case CONTACT PLATE "A" Circuit Failure GEM GO to Pinpoint Test B . P1850 Transfer Case CONTACT PLATE "B" Circuit Failure GEM GO to Pinpoint Test B .

P1854 Transfer Case CONTACT PLATE "C" Circuit Failure (GEM Only) GEM GO to Pinpoint Test B . P1858 Transfer Case CONTACT PLATE "D" Circuit Failure (GEM Only) GEM GO to Pinpoint Test B . P1866 Transfer Case Maintenance Required (GEM Only) (4-wheel drive operation can be restored by clearing the DTC and cycling the ignition.) GEM GO to Pinpoint Test B . P1867 Transfer Case Contact Plate General Circuit Failure (GEM Only) GEM GO to Pinpoint Test B . P1874 Automatic Hall Effect Sensor Power Circuit Failure GEM GO to Symptom Chart. P1875 Automatic Hall Effect Sensor Power Circuit Short to Battery (GEM Only) GEM GO to Symptom Chart. P1891 Transfer Case Contact Plate Ground Return Open Circuit GEM GO to Pinpoint Test B Your best bet , take it to a qualified repair shop
Read full answer
Apr 04, 2017 • 2002 Ford Explorer
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What is a 4 wheel drive switch
Depending on the make and model, it could be the control switch on the dash or the switch that moves the gears in the transfer case.
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Dec 04, 2012 • Cars & Trucks
0helpful
1answer

On the dash of my 92 pajero the two front wheels keep flashing green when its not in 4x4 how ever i degreased under the engine and gearbox and realised after.that the lights had stop flashing until my son...

4X4

On these issue, there are few solved help links for troubleshooting the issue easily.-------

Click the link below: ---

No 4x4 light on dash?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2011/12/no-4x4-light-on-dash.html

-----------

4X4 Truck makes roaring noise in the front end?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2012/01/4x4-truck-makes-roaring-noise-in-front.html

-------------

Car will not go into 4WD high or 4WD low?


http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/car-will-not-go-into-4wd-high-or-4wd.html

--------------

No 4x4 light on dash?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2011/12/no-4x4-light-on-dash.html

------------

4 wheel drive system will not disengage?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/4-wheel-drive-system-will-not-disengage.html

----------

4WD light is flashing and beeping? NO 4WD high?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/02/4wd-light-is-flashing-and-beeping-no.html

----------

2002 Jeep Wrangler: 4WD Idiot Light is ON?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/06/2002-jeep-wrangler-4wd-idiot-light-is.html

----------

Traction control switch will not engage on 4WD High or Low

http://whoisbyme.blogspot.com/2012/10/traction-control-switch-will-not-engage.html

-----------

4WD light flashing and 4WD will engage after few minutes

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2012/10/4wd-light-flashing-and-4wd-will-engage.html

------------

2008 Toyota Tundra: 4x4 Wheel Drive Light is Flashing?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/05/2008-toyota-tundra-4x4-wheel-drive.html

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4x4 front differential will not engage the axle on ford?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/4x4-front-differential-will-not-engage.html

-------

4x4 will not engage on Ford F150?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/4x4-will-not-engage-on-ford-f150.html

-------------

Dodge Ram 4x4 light keeps flashing

4X4 LOW LIGHT IS FLASHING ON DASH

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/09/dodge-ram-4x4-light-keeps-flashing.html

----------

Ford 4x4 front wheels will not engage?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/ford-4x4-front-wheels-will-not-engage.html

-------------

These details will help.

Thanks.

Read full answer
Nov 28, 2012 • 1992 Mitsubishi Pajero
0helpful
1answer

Will not shift into 4wheel drive

On these issue,there are few solved help links for troubleshooting the issue easily.-------

Click the link below:---
No 4x4 light on dash?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2011/12/no-4x4-light-on-dash.html

-----------
4X4 Truck makes roaring noise in the front end?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2012/01/4x4-truck-makes-roaring-noise-in-front.html

-------------
Car will not go into 4WD high or 4WD low?


http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/car-will-not-go-into-4wd-high-or-4wd.html

--------------
No 4x4 light on dash?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2011/12/no-4x4-light-on-dash.html

------------
4 wheel drive system will not disengage?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/4-wheel-drive-system-will-not-disengage.html

----------
4WD light is flashing and beeping? NO 4WD high?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/02/4wd-light-is-flashing-and-beeping-no.html

----------
2002 Jeep Wrangler: 4WD Idiot Light is ON?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/06/2002-jeep-wrangler-4wd-idiot-light-is.html

----------

Traction control switch will not engage on 4WD High or Low

http://whoisbyme.blogspot.com/2012/10/traction-control-switch-will-not-engage.html

-----------

4WD light flashing and 4WD will engage after few minutes

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2012/10/4wd-light-flashing-and-4wd-will-engage.html

------------
2008 Toyota Tundra: 4x4 Wheel Drive Light is Flashing?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/05/2008-toyota-tundra-4x4-wheel-drive.html

----------
4x4 front differential will not engage the axle on ford?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/4x4-front-differential-will-not-engage.html

-------
4x4 will not engage on Ford F150? http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/4x4-will-not-engage-on-ford-f150.html

-------------
Dodge Ram 4x4 light keeps flashing 4X4 LOW LIGHT IS FLASHING ON DASH

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/09/dodge-ram-4x4-light-keeps-flashing.html

----------
Ford 4x4 front wheels will not engage?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/ford-4x4-front-wheels-will-not-engage.html

-------------

These details will help.

Thanks.

Read full answer
Nov 25, 2012 • 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
0helpful
1answer

96 gmc 4wheel drive not engaging
There are many vehicles which notice same issue with 4wd not engaging in low or high mode.I suggest you few help links related to these issue,with there troubleshooting details and solutions.
Car will not go into 4WD high or 4WD low? http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/car-will-not-go-into-4wd-high-or-4wd.html

------------
No 4x4 light on dash?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2011/12/no-4x4-light-on-dash.html

--------
4 wheel drive system will not disengage?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/4-wheel-drive-system-will-not-disengage.html

---------
4WD light is flashing and beeping? NO 4WD high?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/02/4wd-light-is-flashing-and-beeping-no.html

-----------
2002 Jeep Wrangler: 4WD Idiot Light is ON?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/06/2002-jeep-wrangler-4wd-idiot-light-is.html

-----------

Traction control switch will not engage on 4WD High or Low
http://whoisbyme.blogspot.com/2012/10/traction-control-switch-will-not-engage.html

--------------
Service 4wd warning light on Dash? http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/11/service-4wd-warning-light-on-dash.html

-----------
Car automatically switches to 4wd low?

--------
These are the help links related to your issue.Going through these help links,will guide you to troubleshoot and solve the issue noticed on your car.
Keep updated for more help.
Thanks.

Read full answer
Oct 17, 2012 • Chevrolet Cars & Trucks
0helpful
1answer

Just recently bought a 1991 4runner and the 4wd doesnt work. It is the 3.0litre v6 5spd manual. the 4wd indicator light comes on, it easily shifts between ranges and will go into low range when 4 low is...
The 4x4 indicator light is turned on by the actuator at the front differential when it engages the ADD. This means the problem is not at the front differential. It may be an issue with the transfer case if it's the automatic electronic controlled transfer case.
Read full answer
Mar 06, 2018 • Toyota 4Runner Cars & Trucks
5helpful
2answers

Front end will not lock in in 4x4 transfer case is in & dash lite shows 4x4 but front wheels don;t lock in
Ok, this is probably going to sound greek if you have no automotive experiance, so here goes:

There are 2 possibilities I can think of at the moment depending on your 4wd system, however there are several things that can cause this

If you have a Push button 4wd (you push a button or turn a knob) the system engages using actuators or sylinoids meening you turn the 4wd on, the switch sends power to the selector option (high and low) and the 4wd light on the dash. the selector determines where the actuator/silenoid engages (either high or low) in the transfer case. However the actuator or silenoid can be faulty and yet the system will say 4wd is on because the switches still sending power to the 4x4 light

The next setup is the manual linkage set up, and given the year of your kia I doubt you have this setup However I am going to go through it anyway.

With a maual linkage setup you engage the trasfer case maualy using the 4wd shifter. Ironically on newer manual shift 4wd systems the dash light is still triggered electrically by location of the shifter not what is going on in the transfer case (Ah a flaw in the design) So if you linkage is loose/bent/damaged or somehow disconnected your 4wd wont engage but the light will still show that it is! Hope this helps
Read full answer
Jan 30, 2010 • 1999 Kia Sportage
1helpful
3answers

4wd how to enguage
make sure your in nutural, or park then if you have hub locks turn them to locking position. then shift small shifter if available into 4 wheel low or high. or may have just a push button to engauge. then shift into low or high. then you may use your regular stick to shift or just shift into drive w automatic.
Read full answer
Jan 27, 2010 • 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
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1997 F150 Regular Cab

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4WD does not operate, no lite, no anything

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